Our People / Ā Tātou
MARTY HANTZ- Principal
Email: principal@taradaleint.school.nz
It is always exciting being in any field of education but to be the Tumuaki of Te Kura Takawaenga ō Ōtātara is indeed a privilege. I have extensive leadership experience, this being my fourth principalship over the last twenty three years, much of which has been involved with the wonderful year 7–9 tamariki. I love the challenge that Year 7 & 8s bring, with its mixture of youth, self-awareness and energy all captured within a two year period.
My mantra of “Good to Great, Great to Excellent” means that I’m ever striving to provide our tamariki with the best possible education, academic and social opportunities, whist empowering all of those who work with and alongside our ākonga / learners to be at their very best too. I love agentic learning!
Though I may be small in stature, you will see me, or hear me, around our kura constantly.
ROBYN EDDY - Deputy Principal
Email: robyne@taradaleint.school.nz
I've spent most of my teaching career, teaching at intermediate level so YES I definitely have a passion for this age group. The challenges and rewards they bring add up to an amazing journey over the 2 years that ākonga are with us. My passions in education lie in the fields of maths, inquiry and digital technologies - providing students with the attributes to thrive in the changing world they are growing up in. It is great being part of a dynamic school that sees teaching and learning as a collaborative partnership between the learner, the teacher, the whānau and the wider community.
COLE PAIGE - Deputy Principal / SENCO
EMAIL: colep@taradaleint.school.nz
I joined the TIS team at the beginning of 2014 and look forward to another exciting and full year. I am passionate about encouraging creative and inquisitive minds to look at issues in different ways, using technology to enhance the learning experience and providing learning pathways that reflect the needs of each student. I look forward to contributing to the TIS community and getting to know the students and their whānau. Part of my role at TIS is the special needs co-ordinator. It is my privilege to work closely with some of our students and their families to provide the best possible support we can.
LEONIE EGAN - Mohaka Team Leader Room 7
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I have 2 sons, Jack who is 22 and Cooper who is 12. My husband is a boat builder and as a family, we enjoy spending time on and around the water. I was a competitive swimmer and still can be found on a netball court now and then.
I look forward to supporting our learners to be the best they can be in 2024, working closely with the parents and whanau to make a real difference!
KERIANA McKEE - Room 9
kerianam@taradaleint.school.nz
Ko Hikurangi, ko Pukemaire nga maunga
Ko Waiapu, ko Reporua nga awa
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi
Ko Ngati Rangi te hapū
Ko Keriana ahau
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
I have the privilege of teaching ākonga in Room 9. I am an experienced classroom teacher having taught in Tauranga, Wellington, Taihape and London. This year will be my 10th year at Taradale Intermediate. I am passionate about te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. I am excited to be working with our Ōtātara Kāhui Ako as the Across Community Teacher for Cultural Responsiveness. I look forward to the learning, growth, opportunities, and meaningful connections, that 2024 will bring for all.
Ka pae tawhiti, ka pae tata.
ADELE DAVIS - Room 9
MATT MURTHA - Room 8
Kia Ora, my name is Matt Murtha and I am in my sixth year of teaching. I began my journey teaching in Auckland for two years before returning to Hawke’s Bay in 2019 where I was at Hastings Central School. I am very excited to be teaching here at Taradale Intermediate where I was a student. I am very passionate about sports, especially Rugby, Basketball and Cricket, and I play rugby for the Napier Pirates Rugby Club. I really enjoy teaching mathematics and also P.E, as I love to get kids active through sports and recreation. I am looking forward to being a part of Taradale Intermediate Community and Mohaka whānau kura.
NATALIE WADSWORTH- Room 2
nataliep@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora, my name is Natalie Wadsworth and I will be teaching in Room 2 this year. I rejoined the Taradale Intermediate Teaching Team in 2022, after teaching for the previous two years across the ditch in Melbourne. Taradale Intermediate is such an exciting place, where students are encouraged to innovate, explore their interests and try new things!
I’m passionate about students taking charge of their own learning and achieving their learning goals. I’m particularly enthusiastic about maths, PE and inquiry learning.
Outside of the classroom, you may find me playing or watching sports, going to the gym or tap dancing! I have spent a significant period of my life representing NZ at table tennis (both as a player and a coach), so am looking forward to sharing these experiences with the students in my classroom.
VINKA DONKIN - Tareha Team Leader - Room 6
vinkad@taradaleint.school.nz
Tēnā koutou
This year you will find me in Room 6. I am looking forward to leading the fantastic group of learners and teachers in the Tareha Learning Team. Our team is proudly named after the local chief – Tareha. I cannot wait to see what we are all capable of – we are eyeing up the Whānaukura Trophy!
I am an experienced classroom teacher with 25 years’ experience as a teacher and a leader in intermediate school settings. The last thirteen of these have been at Taradale Intermediate. I have had a variety of roles while I have been here including Acting Deputy Principal in 2018 and two years as Learning Leader working on various special projects, 2019-2020. I was also lucky enough to be awarded a TeachNZ Sabbatical in Term 3, 2020 where I researched ways to build genuine learning partnerships with parents and whānau to help meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all learners. I work two days a week for the Ōtātara Kāhui Ako as an Across School Leader – this involves working across nine local schools helping raise learner wellbeing and achievement through being prepared to learn, quality transitions and coherent pathways.
I am passionate about developing learners as agents of their own learning. I have high expectations and enjoy developing powerful relationships with parents, whānau and learners. I love all areas of English - especially debating, Lit Quiz, public speaking and writing.
2024 is going to be another exciting year as we all journey together on our discovery of something new. We have an exciting vision for our place – I hope you are all ready to come along for the ride.
Mā te wā!
See you soon!
HANNAH LEADBETTER- Room 6
Kia Ora, Ko Hannah Leadbetter tōku ingoa.
I am a ‘people’ person who enjoys the collegiality that working as part of a team can bring. I am excited to be working alongside Vinka in Room 6. I have been teaching for 14 incredible years. Teaching is not just a job for me; it's my passion. I have taught all age groups from year zero all the way through to intermediate. I have had the privilege of watching so many students flourish. My approach is grounded in kindness, nurturing, and fun. I firmly believe that when students enjoy the learning process and have positive relationships, they thrive. Every day, I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, inspired, and eager to explore. It's an honor to be part of their educational journey, and I am committed to making a positive impact on their lives. Education is not a destination or an arrival point, but rather a lifelong learning experience.
Ngā mihi
NIKKI SHAKESHAFT Room 1
Kia ora and welcome to 2024! Ko Nikki Shakeshaft tōku ingoa. I am excited to be a part of the Tareha Whanaukura for this year. I have been a part of the TIS team since 2004 and during my time at our school I have had the privilege of working with a talented and passionate staff and some amazing learners. My passions are Inquiry based learning, Technology and Design and Social Sciences with a focus on the new Aotearoa Histories Curriculum. During the year you may also find me working with the boy's football team and in the kitchen running our Culinary Arts programme. Outside of school I love to travel to new places with my whānau (Husband Chris, little person Thea and one less than compliant Labrador Walt) and I am also a bit of a foodie, spending far too much time in the kitchen creating new dishes to test out on friends and family. I am looking forward to working with the learners and families of Room 1 this year.
KATIE MOODIE Room 3
katiem@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora! My name is Katie Moodie and I am in my 7th year of teaching. I am very passionate about Health/P.E, EOTC and Mathematics. This year I will be teaching 4 days a week in Room 3, as I had my first child in 2022, so you'll find me spending time with my son Ky each Wednesday. In my spare time I enjoy playing Netball and Basketball, spending time with my friends and family, travelling and going to the beach! I am looking forward to a wonderful year in Room 3.
BRITTNEY STANFORD- Room 4
brittneys@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora! Ko Brittney tōku ingoa. I am an experienced classroom teacher and I love teaching the intermediate age group. I am very passionate about Literacy, PB4L, providing opportunities for learners here at TIS and encouraging all learners to be the best they can be. 2024 is looking to be a busy year with some exciting topics on the horizon and I can't wait to see what our learners come up with.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball, reading a good book and spending time with family.
Looking forward to seeing you all around our kura this year!
CHASE BATY - Room 5
Kia ora. My name is Chase Baty and I am excited to be starting my fourth year here at Taradale Intermediate in 2024. I grew up Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay before moving to Auckland to complete my study, I have now found my new home in Hawkes Bay. I am passionate about science, music/instruments (particularly rock instruments) and sports/motorsport. I am excited and looking forward to getting to know the students of Taradale Intermediate, share interests and passions and create positive learning relationships throughout 2024!
LOUISE GRAY - Team Leader Tākitimu - Room 13
Kia ora, my name is Louise Gray. I teach in Room 13 and am team leader of Takitimu whanaukura.My passions are Maths, Health, PE and EOTC. I am teacher in charge of football.My interests out of school are all sports, reading, dog walking and spending time with my family.I am looking forward to another fantastic year of learning, sporting and cultural opportunities at Taradale Intermediate.
JAMES BEAVAN - Room 12
Kia ora! Ko James toku ingoa. I am a beginning teacher, in my first year at Taradale Intermediate. I am excited to be starting in a kura and team full of passionate, knowledgeable and supportive people. I have recently returned to NZ after being abroad in Germany for 10 years. I have a background in visual arts and have a love of both maths and creative writing. When I’m not at school I’m busy on creative projects, out hiking, biking, at the beach, or reading a good book.
LEANNE HANSON - Room 17
Kia ora! Ko Leanne toku ingoa. I have been teaching at TIS for a few years now as I absolutely enjoy this Year 7/8 age group and what our kura can offer them. I'm passionate about literacy, inquiry learning and wellbeing. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, walking, catching up with friends and relaxing with a great novel.
LEAH BREEDS - Room 50
leahb@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora, my name is Leah Breeds and I am excited to be teaching in Room 50. I have been teaching at TIS for far too many years to count because it's a great school with awesome students and I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to teach!
One of my passions is language and language learning and I have recently completed a BA in linguistics and French. My other passion is Performing Arts and you will find me involved in many cultural activities at school including orchestra, choir, and bands. I am also the itinerant music co-ordinator.
KELLY HUTCHESON - Room 50
Hi, I’m Kelly Hutcheson and you will find me in Room 50 this year, co-teaching with Leah in our collaborative space. Originally from the UK, I settled in NZ in 2007 after initially coming for a year’s working holiday. This is my seventh year at Taradale Intermediate and I love working alongside such an amazing group of collaborative, committed colleagues. When I’m not at school I’m fairly busy with my family or testing the limits of just how much you can do yourself with home renovations. Looking forward to a fantastic 2024!
HUGH REED - Room 23
Kia ora koutou, Ko Hugh Reed toku ingoa. I have been at Taradale Intermediate for 7 and a half years and love teaching intermediate-aged learners. I look forward to working with whanau, fellow teachers, and students towards meeting Rm 23 akonga goals. When I am not at school I am kept busy with my three children aged 7, 5, and 2. I used to play a lot of Rugby and am still involved as I now do some junior coaching for my boys. I play tennis and football now and enjoy most sports. I moved to Hawkes Bay in 2008 and have lived here ever since. Originally, I am from Darfield, which is a little country town in Canterbury.
TANIA WALTERS - Room 21
taniaw@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia Ora koutou, ko Tania Walters toku ingoa. Hello everyone, I am Tania Walters. I am excited to be teaching in Room 21 this year alongside mighty Kaweka. This is my fifth year at TIS and I love experiencing learning and growth from all my students. I am involved with Basketball and Kapa Haka, and my favourite subject is Math.
In my free time, I love spending time with my partner and our 4 kiddies (they keep us very busy), I love BBQ's and summer with our friends and family, I play netball and like to go on holidays around NZ and the world - when we can.
CAITLIN KRUGER - Room 24
caitlink@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia Ora I’m Caitlin Kruger. I am a fifth year teacher in room 24. I gained my teaching degree at EIT Taradale. I was lucky enough to be accepted into such an amazing, hands on course which allowed me to learn and teach alongside some amazing teachers and children in all areas of Hawkes Bay. I enjoy all sports, singing and all hands-on learning in the classroom. I am very lucky to have the support of my kaweka team and my amazing colleagues. As part of my leadership learning I am the teacher responsible for implementing HERO in the classrooms.
JAIMEE LACK and ANITA BORGER- Room 22
jaimeel@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora! Ko Jaimee Lack tōku ingoa. I’m excited to be teaching in Room 22 this year. I’ve been teaching at Taradale Intermediate for over 5 years now. As an ex-student of this kura, TIS will always be a special place for me. I absolutely love teaching this age group and I’m passionate about helping students to reach their goals. Some of my passions are maths, health, PE, science and EOTC. Before I started my teaching career, I spent many years working and travelling overseas. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me making special memories with whānau and friends. My husband and I are blessed to have two beautiful children, which keep us busy. I also enjoy cooking, painting, cake decorating, swimming, camping and travelling.
I’m looking forward to a busy and exciting year in Room 22.
anitab@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora! I'm Anita Borger and I'm excited to be teaching in Room 22 on Mondays this year with the lovely Jaimee Lack. I have been teaching at TIS in various roles for the past 3 years and look forward to have a foot firmly set in Kaweka this year. Originally from the Mighty Manawatu, I have lived in Napier for 5 years in which time my husband and I have welcomed two children. I enjoy longboarding, music, dance and recently have enjoyed learning some new skills in the Hard Materials room where you can find me on a Friday in Term 1 this year.
MANDY BARBER - Specialist Team Leader - Mixed Materials (on leave 2024)
Kia Ora. My name is Mandy Barber and I am a proud and member of the Technology team. I've taught TIS learners for a long while now and I have spent some time teaching overseas too. You can find me in the Mixed Materials workshop where I have the privilege of providing students with the opportunity to design and create products using hard materials. They learn a variety of safe machine and construction skills. as well as digital design when using our Laser Cutter and 3D printer. My teaching passions lie with technology, maths, science and EOTC. I love helping students learn how to make sense of the world they live in and encourage them to improve it for our future. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, playing and coaching hockey, reading and travelling whenever I can.
KAREN HOGG - Food Technology
I have been teaching at TIS for many years as a classroom teacher and laptop class teacher. This is my sixth year in the Tech Team where I am usually a specialist teacher of Science but this year I am moving into food technology. I also enjoy teaching literacy and helping with volleyball. My interests out of school are enjoying time with my family and friends, walking, watching a good movie, anything chocolate and travelling.
KIRSTEN DEMANSER-WILSON - P.U.N.K
kirstend@taradaleint.school.nz
I have been part of the teaching staff at TIS for many years as I love teaching this age group. I am a specialist teacher of P.U.N.K which stands for Physical Understanding and Nutritional Knowledge. I am also in charge of co-ordinating all the sport at TIS and EOTC (learning in the outdoors)
My passion is get our learners to live a healthy lifestyle, make healthy choices and include daily physical activity into their lives through sport and recreation.
My interests outside of school are mountain biking, running, tramping, reading, kayaking and canoe polo.
Gina Eager - Digital Technology (Robotics)
ginae@taradaleint.school.nz
Kia ora, I'm Gina Eager.
This is my 5th year at TIS and I love it! 2024 will be my first year as a specialist teacher and I am VERY excited to be launching a brand new Lego robotics program. When I'm not in the Digi room, you may find me running our school TV station 'Digidale' and if you can't find me there, I'll be helping out our radio team! I'm also the person to see if you are having any issues with your digital devices.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time reading, building Lego, crafting, swimming, and spending time with my awesome family and friends!
LYNLEY BRINSLEY- Biotechnology
Kia Ora. I have been at TIS for many years and I am our Hangarau Koiora (Biotechnology) teacher for 2024. I'm looking forward to having a hands-on progamme where akonga can create and make products that help improve their lives, with the technology process as their focus. My interests involve my family, friends, Visual Art and gardening.
Nikki Wilson - Mentor and Release
I am thrilled to be back at Taradale Intermediate 4 days a week after taking most of 2023 off on maternity leave. I have been part of the teaching staff at TIS for 6 years where I have been a classroom teacher and dabbled in Mixed Materials. I have a diverse role this year of releasing teachers and mentoring EIT candidate teachers as well as a beginning teacher.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing as well as catching up with friends and family.
DAVID BREEDS - Office Manager
I am the most recent addition to the support team. After a couple of decades in retail, I've switched gears and am now supporting the admin team, teachers, and learners at Taradale Intermediate. My role includes general office duties, sick bay, and supporting the Hawkes Bay Optimist Yacht Trust. I can be found at the front desk from 8:00.
SONJA FARR - Finance Management, SMS, Admin
Hi there, You will find me in the office working alongside my colleague, Nicky. I commenced work here in 2000. TIS really is a wonderful learning and working environment which makes it a pleasure to provide administrative support for our staff, students, parents/caregivers and the wider community. My role is varied, challenging and interesting, and includes financial management, student database management, following up unexplained absences, general sickbay and office duties. I have two children who have spent their intermediate years at TIS and are now out in the working world.
NICKY McKENZIE - Principal's PA
JOANNE WOOLLEY - Pastoral Care
Kia Ora. My name is Jo Woolley and I have proudly been a part of theTaradale Intermediate School team for the last 18 years. My key role is to support and guide the social, physical, and emotional needs of our learners, their families, and staff. I consider myself very fortunate to work with a fantastic group of learners and adults in a warm, welcoming, and dynamic environment. Outside of school I like to cook, take my dog for walks, travel and spend time with family and friends.
LYNE LINDSAY - Librarian
CORRINA BLAND - Kaiāwhina
Being a Learning Assistant at TIS provides me the opportunity and privlidge of working with both our amazing learners and an awesome teaching staff. I have worked in schools in Auckland, Ireland and now here in the beautiful Hawkes Bay where I share my life with my partner and our two gorgeous girls. Being a Learning Assistant at TIS provides me the opportunity and privilege of working with our amazing learners, teachers and support staff.
MICHELLE HALL - Kaiāwhina
JACK PAIGE - Kaiāwhina
Kia Ora,
My name is Jack and I am excited to begin my second year at TIS as a learning assistant. I enjoy working with this age group immensely. They are keen and interested learners and I feel proud of the progress that I can help support them achieve. Outside of work I live with my whanau and two crazy dogs; Jessie and Frankie. I enjoy travel, movies, reading and hanging out with friends.
LISA SOMERVELL - Kaiāwhina
Hi I'm Lisa... outside of school I love being with my family. We enjoy camping, going to the river and walking our 2 dogs. We are a hockey family, so often down at the turf. I enjoy being around my friends and making new connections. I'm really looking forward to supporting our learners in 2024.
HOANI TAURIMA - Caretaker
STEVE DEMETRIUS - School Chaplain
I have served as the Volunteer School Chaplain at TIS since 2009. Lifewalk Charitable Trust defines the role of a Chaplain as a “trusted friend” who is there to encourage and support Students and Staff. It is a unique role in that I come not as a teacher, administrator, or parent, but as just “Steve.” Students face many pressures and issues in their lives and I count it a privilege to work alongside the Staff at TIS. Lifewalk directs Chaplains to not initiate conversations with Students or Staff about spiritual matters. I do not and will not approach students or staff to start a spiritual discussion or put pressure on them to head in any spiritual direction. The role of a Chaplain is not to promote any particular Church or denomination, but to facilitate the flow of information about local youth groups. I also serve as Chaplain at Taradale High School, EIT and teach the Champions programme at two Primary schools. I am originally from California and have lived in New Zealand for about 16 years. My wife is originally from Taradale and we have three children. I have previously taught school and coached many sports. I love film, travel, reading, sports (tennis, golf, mountain biking, basketball, softball and hockey on the turf with the students!). I spend Interval and Lunch hours at school, attend assemblies and special events, spend time in the Staff room, lead the Chess Club, and help lead a weekly afterschool Bible Club (students get permission from their Parents/Caregivers to attend). Taradale Intermediate is a wonderful school and it is a real joy to serve here.
TARADALE INTERMEDIATE | 6 Murphy Road | Taradale | NAPIER
Phone: 06 844 7264 | Fax: 06 844 6822 | Email: admin@taradaleint.school.nz
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